What are Wild Hot Springs? Characteristics of Hokkaido's Wild Springs
Wild hot springs (noyū) are naturally occurring hot springs that self-erupt in nature, with no commercial facilities - free hot springs. These are precious hot spring resources managed by local communities and freely open to the public.
Why Hokkaido Has Many Wild Hot Springs
Many wild hot springs exist in Hokkaido due to its rich natural environment. The abundance of active volcanoes is the main factor - volcanic activity from Mount Usu, Mount Yotei, Mount Tokachi, Mount Daisetsu and others heats underground water with magma, causing it to erupt at the surface and form hot springs.
Important Precautions for Wild Hot Spring Use
- Safety Measures: Brown bear countermeasures essential (bear spray, bells)
- Manners: Consideration for local residents, cooperation with cleaning
- Usage Period: Many wild springs close in winter
- Access: Advance confirmation of road conditions and weather necessary
10 Selected Hokkaido Wild Hot Springs
1. Fukiage Onsen Roten-no-yu (Kamifurano Town) - Famous from "Kita no Kuni Kara"
Basic Information
- Spring Quality: Acidic-calcium-sodium-sulfate-chloride spring
- Source Temperature: 47°C
- Usage Fee: Free
- Usage Hours: 24 hours (year-round)
- Facilities: Simple toilets, parking available
Access & Location
30 minutes by Kamifurano municipal bus from Kamifurano Station on Tokachidake Line, get off at "Fukiage Onsen Health Center." Located in mixed woods 5 minutes walk from Fukiage Onsen Health Center "Hakugin-so."
Hot Spring Features
Became nationally famous from TV drama "Kita no Kuni Kara '95 Secret" where Tanaka Kuniei and Miyazawa Rie bathed. Built on large rock formations with a waterfall flowing nearby - a truly wild location.
Water is colorless, transparent, acidic and odorless. Upper pool is hot, lower pool adjusted to suitable temperature. In winter, snow is sometimes added for temperature adjustment.
Note: No changing rooms or facilities, no lighting. Mixed bathing - women recommended to wear swimwear or towels.
2. Shika-no-yu (Shikaoi Town) - Riverside Wild Spring in Shikaribetsu Canyon Campground
Basic Information
- Spring Quality: Salt-sodium bicarbonate spring
- Usage Period: Late April to end October
- Usage Fee: Free
- Facilities: Simple changing room, parking available
- Established: Showa 61 (1986)
Access & Location
Located within Shikaribetsu Canyon Campground along Yuuyanbetsu River. Shikaoi Town invested 3 million yen in public funds to construct approximately 9 square meter, 70cm deep bathing pool.
Hot Spring Features
Hot spring discovered in Meiji 40 (1907), popular wild spring visited by hot spring enthusiasts nationwide. Located right beside river, allows enjoying hot springs while camping.
Relatively well-maintained for wild springs with simple changing facilities installed. Temperature adjustment using river water also possible.
Note: Mixed bathing, swimwear or underwear prohibited.
3. Seseki Onsen (Rausu Town) - Phantom Hot Spring Appearing in the Sea
Basic Information
- Spring Quality: Sulfur-sodium-chloride spring
- Source Temperature: 64°C
- Usage Period: July to mid-September (varies with weather)
- Usage Fee: Free
- Feature: Bathing time determined by tidal changes
Access & Location
Seishi district of Rausu Town on Shiretoko Peninsula. Hot spring built with stones in the sea, submerged at high tide and accessible only at low tide.
Hot Spring Features
Known as extremely rare underwater hot spring in Japan, also appeared in TV drama "Kita no Kuni Kara." Due to high source temperature, becomes suitable temperature when mixed with seawater.
Note: Essential to confirm tidal schedules; source spring may be too hot even at low tide.
4. Kawamata Onsen (Noboribetsu City) - Hidden Valley Riverside Wild Spring
Basic Information
- Spring Quality: Simple sulfur spring
- Source Temperature: About 34°C
- Usage Fee: Free
- Discovery: Meiji 41 (1908)
- Access: About 14km from Noboribetsu Horobe town center
Access & Location
Located in mountains of Noboribetsu Kozanmachi, beside tributary stream of Iburi Horobe River. Tatami-sized bathing pool with hot spring emerging from pool bottom.
Hot Spring Features
Discovered in 1908 by Kawamata Heikichi; hot spring therapy inn opened in 1932 but buildings washed away in 1956 typhoon and closed. Currently used as wild spring.
Note: 4km unpaved forest road, 800m walk (20 minutes) from parking. River crossing points; dangerous during floods. Brown bear habitat area - bear deterrent gear essential.
5. Hiratatai Onsen Kuma-no-yu (Yakumo Town) - Riverside Rock Bath
Basic Information
- Spring Quality: Sodium-chloride spring
- Source Temperature: About 70°C
- Usage Period: Late April to end October
- Usage Fee: Free
- Facilities: Simple changing room available
Access & Location
Yakumo Town Kumaishi, about 3km from Kumaishi Hiratatai-so. Located along Hiratatai River, wild outdoor bath carved from rocks.
Hot Spring Features
Hot spring carved from large rocks with strong river flow, truly experiencing hidden spring atmosphere. Source spring at 70°C is very hot, so river water added through hose for temperature adjustment.
Note: Particularly beautiful and popular during autumn foliage season, but closed in winter.
6. Mizunashi Seaside Onsen (Hakodate City) - Coastal Wild Spring
Basic Information
- Spring Quality: Sodium-chloride spring
- Feature: Seaside hot spring
- Usage Fee: Free
- Benefits: Muscle pain, joint pain, neuralgia, rheumatism, etc.
Access & Location
Coastal area of Hakodate Todohokke district. Excellent location overlooking Pacific Ocean.
Hot Spring Features
Seaside hot spring where you can enjoy bathing while listening to ocean waves. Managed by local people and available for free use.
Note: May be unusable due to weather or tidal conditions.
7. Niseko Ogon Onsen (Rankoshi Town) - Farmer-Made Private Hot Spring
Basic Information
- Spring Quality: Sodium-chloride-bicarbonate-sulfate spring
- Source Temperature: 36.7°C, 48.9°C
- pH: 6.8 (neutral)
- Opening: 2002 (Heisei 14)
- Fee: Paid (day-trip bathing only)
Access & Location
Rankoshi Town Ogon district, about 3km from JR Kombu Station. Located in rural area, facility in farmhouse backyard-like location.
Hot Spring Features
Hot spring erupted in 2002 when farmer drilled agricultural well, opened as privately operated hot spring facility. Source spring flow with gender-separated indoor baths and semi-mixed outdoor baths.
Contains much carbon dioxide gas, known for good bubble adhesion. Outdoor baths offer views of Niseko Annupuri and Mount Yotei.
Note: Strictly not wild spring, but popular with wild spring enthusiasts as special privately operated hot spring.
8. Nakadake Onsen (Higashikawa Town) - Sky-High Secret Spring at 1,800m Elevation
Basic Information
- Spring Quality: Sulfur spring (white turbid)
- Elevation: About 1,800m
- Feature: Wild spring on Daisetsu Nakadake mid-slope climbing trail
- Usage Period: Late July to August (depending on remaining snow/weather)
- Access: 2-3 hours walk from Asahidake Ropeway Sugata-mi Station
Access & Location
Located on mid-slope of Nakadake in Daisetsu Asahidake mountain system - one of Japan's highest elevation wild springs. Accessible via traverse route from Asahidake to Mamiya-dake or round-trip route from Susoai-daira.
Hot Spring Features
Source spring extremely hot, so adjusted to suitable temperature by mixing with river water using shovels placed nearby. Two bathing pools mainly used by mountaineers as foot baths, but full-body bathing possible if dug deeper.
Note: Serious mountaineering equipment essential. Brown bear habitat requiring mountaineering experience. Weather easily makes access impossible.
9. Kamuiwakka Yu-no-taki (Shari Town) - Shiretoko Hot Spring Waterfall
Basic Information
- Spring Quality: Strongly acidic sulfur spring
- Feature: Entire river becomes hot spring waterfall
- Usage Period: July to early October
- Access: Shuttle bus from Shiretoko Nature Center (limited period)
- Reservation System: Advance reservations required since 2023
Access & Location
Hot springs erupting from active volcano Mount Io on Shiretoko Peninsula flow into Kamuiwakka River, making entire river hot spring. Special place meaning "god's water" in Ainu language.
Hot Spring Features
Four waterfalls from Ichi-no-taki to Yon-no-taki, with higher water temperatures upstream (finally 35-38°C). Hot springs erupt from riverbed, each waterfall basin becoming natural outdoor bath.
Note: Became reservation activity system since 2023; previous free use no longer possible. Strong acidity requires caution for sensitive skin.
10. Niseko Shinmi Onsen (Rankoshi Town) - Historic Hidden Spring of Oku-Niseko
Basic Information
- Spring Quality: Calcium-sodium-sulfate spring
- Discovery: Meiji 41 (1908)
- Source Temperature: 65°C
- Feature: 300L/minute self-eruption, drinkable spring water
- Current Status: Operating status requires confirmation
Access & Location
Located in mountains on mid-slope of Mount Mekunnai in Niseko mountain range. Discovered in Meiji 41 by Shinmi Naotaro, hidden spring with over 100 years history.
Hot Spring Features
Colorless, odorless but high-quality hot spring containing abundant minerals, known as member inn of "Japan Association of Secluded Hot Springs." Said effective for neuralgia, rheumatism, asthma, gastrointestinal disorders, beloved as hot spring therapy inn.
Note: Closed once in 2016, reopened in 2017 but operating status unstable since. Confirmation essential before visiting.
Essential Items Checklist for Wild Spring Use
Safety Equipment
- Bear spray: Essential for brown bear countermeasures
- Bell: Alert bears to human presence
- Firecrackers: Emergency intimidation use
- Whistle: Emergency signal use
Bathing/Changing Items
- Spare underwear: Clothing may become stained by spring quality
- Towels: Often no rental available
- Plastic bags: Carrying wet clothing home
- Swimwear: Recommended for women in some cases
Other Items
- Cash: For nearby facility use
- Maps/GPS: To avoid getting lost
- Flashlight: Backup for places without lighting
- Portable food/water: Preparation for long travel
Important Manners for Wild Spring Use
Consideration for Local Residents
- Proper parking: Avoid parking outside designated areas
- Noise prevention: Avoid loud conversations or music playback
- Take garbage home: Always take garbage with you
- Follow local rules: Confirm usage rules for each area
Hot Spring Usage Manners
- Pour water before bathing: Always pour water on body before entering
- Prohibit soap/shampoo: For natural environment protection
- Avoid long monopolization: Consideration for other users
- Cleaning cooperation: Cooperate with cleaning when possible
Optimal Visiting Times and Weather Conditions
Seasonal Characteristics
Spring (April-May)
- Usage starts after snowmelt
- Comfortable with few insects
- Road conditions require confirmation
Summer (June-August)
- All wild springs available
- Insect countermeasures necessary
- Peak tourist season
Autumn (September-October)
- Beautiful autumn foliage season
- Caution for morning/evening cold
- Usage end period approaching
Winter (November-March)
- Many wild springs closed
- Some like Fukiage Onsen still available
- Beautiful snow scenery but dangerous
Advance Preparation for Safe Wild Spring Tours
Information Gathering
- Operating status confirmation: Available periods and road conditions
- Weather understanding: Weather forecasts and warnings
- Regional information: Bear sighting reports, etc.
Planning
- Multiple person visits: Ensuring safety
- Time allowance: Unhurried itinerary setting
- Emergency response: Communication means and evacuation routes
Equipment Preparation
- Appropriate clothing: Clothes suitable for getting dirty
- Cold protection: Response to temperature differences
- First aid supplies: Preparation for injuries
Current State and Importance of Wild Spring Protection
Management System
Hokkaido's wild springs are managed by local residents and volunteers. Regular cleaning and safety management occur, sustained by user manners and morals.
Environmental Protection
Wild springs are part of precious natural environments, requiring proper use to preserve for future generations. Each user must be conscious of environmental protection.
User Responsibility
Wild spring use operates on self-responsibility principle. Adequate safety measures, following regional rules, and environmental protection efforts are required.
Summary
Hokkaido's wild springs are precious hot spring resources offering unity with nature impossible at commercial facilities. Bathing in pristine nature provides special experiences unobtainable in urban life.
However, wild spring use requires appropriate preparation and caution. By implementing adequate safety measures, maintaining consideration for local residents, and being mindful of environmental protection, we can preserve these precious hot springs for future generations.
Wild springs are regional treasures. By observing manners, maintaining gratitude, and respecting the hot spring blessings nurtured by Hokkaido's pristine nature, we can enjoy these gifts responsibly.
Information in this article is current as of March 2025. Wild spring usage conditions and road situations may change; please confirm latest information before visiting.
Wild spring use is at your own risk. Implement adequate safety measures and use within reasonable limits.
In brown bear habitat areas, carrying bear deterrent gear and appropriate countermeasures are essential.